Chapter published in:
Doing SLA Research with Implications for the Classroom: Reconciling methodological demands and pedagogical applicability
Edited by Robert M. DeKeyser and Goretti Prieto Botana
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 52] 2019
► pp. 9–30

Chapter 2
Observing language-related episodes in intact classrooms

Context matters!

| Concordia University
| Concordia University

Observations of spontaneous language related episodes (LREs) in actual classrooms capture pedagogical behaviours that may affect the characteristics of LREs. In this study of 87 twelve-year old intermediate francophone EFL students in 3 intact classes, we examined the type, frequency, and resolution of 607 LREs during 20 paired/small group communicative activities (311,000-word, 55-hour corpus). Common findings across classes were the students’ ability to resolve LREs and their focus on lexical issues. However, peer-initiated LREs and attention to grammar were greater in the class where the teacher highlighted task-useful language, provided self-access tools for addressing language needs, and promoted a culture of peer collaboration. Observational research presents methodological challenges and its design limits generalizability. However, the rich description, large data-base and high ecological validity enhance the relevance of the findings for L2 pedagogy.

Keywords: EFL, language-related episodes, LREs, classroom research, feedback, peer collaboration
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Language-related episodes
  • The study
    • Context and participants
    • Corpus
    • Analyses and findings
  • Frequency of LREs
  • Characteristics of LREs
    • Initiator
    • Language feature
    • Resolution
  • Summary of frequency and characteristics of LREs
  • Contextual factors influencing the characteristics of LREs
  • Discussion of findings
  • Classroom observation of LREs and implications/relevance for pedagogy
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 07 March 2019
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.52.02col
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